A linear, multi-day coast walk in Wales starting at Llangennith, Swansea (Abertawe), about 17km (roughly 11 miles) long and
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The Gower Peninsula is a special place. The first part of the UK to get AONB status, it is a glorious mix of coast, farmland and heaths. This walk takes in many of the highlights - the National Trust's Rhossili Bay, Paviland Cave and the Worms Head, and the southern stretch of coast. The route from Llangennith to Port Eynon is possible in one long day, but better enjoyed with a stopover in Pitton Cross. Plus that gives you more time to enjoy this wonderful place!
Start:
Llangennith, OS Grid: SS426916
End: Port Eynon, OS Grid: SS465855 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
End: Port Eynon, OS Grid: SS465855 Elevation Profile (x: waypoint number, y: metres)
Gain (+/- 10%): 352m (1156ft)
Total (+/- 10%): 746m (2447ft)
Loss (+/- 10%): 393m (1291ft)
Max. Elevation: 100m (328ft)
Public Transport
Waypoints
Take the bus to Llangennith. From the town centre, take the footpath heading for Hillend.
The walk starts in earnest at Hillend. There is a coastal campsite here which is a good option for the night before if you are planning a long day out. From Hillend, you have a choice - the clifftop path over Rhossili Down or the path along the foot of the cliff.
Without wishing to lead the witness, I would opt for the beachside route. Plenty of clifftop walking on the second part of the route.
The path takes you to Rhossili. From here, head past the village to the National Trust Office to check tide times - the Worms Head is only accessible around low tide. If you need to plan in advance, ring 01792 390707 and ask. There are also infrequent buses from Rhossili if you want a shorter walk.
WARNING - do not mess about with the rocky crossing to the Worms Head. You need to enough time to get there and back as when the tide comes in, the current is extremely strong. You have been warned. If it is not possible to cross, there are still great views across from the mainland.
Reaching the Worm, when the tide is out, involves an enjoyable scramble across the rocks. Check out the rockpools too - lots of wriggly creatures live here. Plenty of birdlife too. Once finished exploring, return back to Rhossili.
if you are being sensible and taking two days to enjoy this wonderful scenery, then head to Pitton Cross Caravan and Camping site for your overnight stay: www.pittoncross.co.uk
There are also places to stay in Rhossili, but book ahead: www.enjoygower.com
Start day two by heading to the coast south of Pitton Cross. Walk back along the road to Pitton, then take the footpath to the coast.
The walk changes on the second day. The coast is a series of steep cliffs and hidden caves, many of which can be explored.
One cave worth exploring is Paviland Cave, which is famous for the discovery of a skeleton here in 1830 - the first recorded human fossil. The skeleton was around 29,000 years old. It's possible - but tricky - to climb down to the cave. Look for the footpath coming in from the northeast.
Continue along the path heading southeast towards Port Eynon. Great views, great place, great walking.
Before reaching Port Eynon, head for the small spit of land south of the town to find Culver Hole. Again accessible only at low tide, this is a walled-up fissure with stairs behind the blocks. Some say it was used for smuggling, others think it was used to rear doves for meat and eggs.
Return from the hole to Port Eynon. It's a tourist hotspot, so plenty of places to stay and relax after a long walk. And you can rest those weary legs on the nearby beach the next day!
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